Perhaps you have also thought you need a massive tent or that “awnings are just for caravans.” Wrong. Wrong. The right drive away awning for your campervan is a total game-changer. It gives you extra space, weather protection, and genuine freedom at camp – all without losing access to your vehicle.
As someone who’s spent rain-soaked weekends in Wales and sunny, breezy weeks on the Cornish coast, I’ll tell you: the best drive away awning isn’t just about more room, but about better living on the road. Here, I’ll walk you through the best drive away awnings to suit your needs and budget.
What Is a Camper Van Drive Away Awning (And Why Do You Need One)?
Picture this: you arrive at camp, set up your pitch, then realise you want to pop to the pub or nip out for supplies. If you’ve pegged down a traditional awning or tent, you’re stuck. But a proper drive away awning attaches to your campervan and – crucially – can stand by itself when you leave.
Head out in the van, come back, and your living space is just as you left it. Too many new campers miss this benefit and end up either unpacking everything for every drive or simply going without that extra space. Trust me, you’ll want both flexibility and comfort, especially when UK weather decides to turn.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Drive Away Awning
Not all drive away awnings are built the same, and definitely not all will suit your van or your style of camping. Before handing over your card, think about how and where you actually travel.
Quick Setup or Wrestling Match?
If the idea of flapping poles in sideways rain makes you shudder, look at inflatable (air beam) awnings. These can go up in under 10 minutes, even when the wind’s having a tantrum. Game-changer for solo campers or anyone who’s had a row over tent poles in a layby.
How Much Space Do You Really Need?
Are you after a compact porch to keep boots and bikes dry, or a proper living area with table and chairs? Bigger awnings feel luxurious but they take longer to dry, and if space at your site is tight, you might regret bringing the mansion.
Fabric Choice Matters
Polyester is lightweight, easy to handle, and dries fast – great for quick weekenders. Polycotton breathes better and handles condensation well, especially in mixed weather, but it’s heavier, pricier, and needs longer to dry out. Know your trade-offs.
Van Compatibility Is Crucial
There’s no such thing as a true “universal fit.” Measure your van’s rail height and double-check attachment styles – awning rail, drive-away kit, or magnetic strip. Get it wrong and you’ll be battling breezy gaps or awkward zip angles every morning.
Camping All Year or Just the Sunny Bits?
If you’re camping from April to October, most awnings will do. But for winter trips or blustery hilltop pitches, look for reinforced frames, thicker fabric, and guy lines you trust. Your hot chocolate tastes better when the walls aren’t flapping.
Best Drive Away Awnings for Campervans – Comparison
Vango Galli CC Air
Best For: Large, all-round premium use
Key Features: Spacious interior, porch, dual side doors, tunnel with doors, skylights
Size & Weight: 320 × 385 cm, 210 cm head height, heavy & bulky
Fabric & Weatherproofing: Sentinel Pro 430D Ripstop, 6000mm HH
Kampa Cross Air
Best For: Compact & flexible, multi-season use
Key Features: Square steep-sided design, 3 doors, converts to gazebo, removable groundsheet, sleeping pod option
Size & Weight: ~16kg, compact footprint
Fabric & Weatherproofing: Weathershield 68D, UV-resistant
Vango Kela Air
Best For: Compact all-rounder
Key Features: 2 tunnel doors, mains hookup, large clear windows & skylights, bright & airy design
Size & Weight: 235 × 310 cm, Sentinel Pro ~18.4kg, TC ~22.4kg
Fabric & Weatherproofing: Sentinel Pro polyester or polycotton TC
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air
Best For: Budget-friendly inflatable
Key Features: 300 × 300 cm floor space, tunnel with 2 side doors, gazebo conversion, sleeping pod option
Size & Weight: 17kg, packs to 82 × 47 × 35 cm
Fabric & Weatherproofing: 120 HDE lightweight polyester
Top Premium Drive Away Awning Choices
Vango Galli CC Air – Best Large Drive Away Awning
The Vango Galli CC Air continues to top the charts when it comes to large, dependable drive away awnings. Now in its Mk III version, it has seen multiple improvements over time and remains the go-to choice for those needing space, durability, and solid weather resistance. After testing it for over a year with a Mercedes Marco Polo, it proved itself through everything from stormy weekends to relaxed sunny getaways.
Design and Layout
Available in both “Low” and “Tall” sizes, the Galli CC Air fits most campervans with ease. The Low version, made from Vango’s Sentinel Pro 430D Double Ripstop fabric, hits the sweet spot for UK adventures. It’s light enough to manage but tough enough to handle wind and rain.
You’ll get 6000mm of waterproof protection, roomy internal dimensions (320 x 385 cm), and a generous 210 cm head height. Add a front porch and a well-designed tunnel with doors on both sides, and it’s built for comfort and convenience. Windows are clear and bright, with zipped blinds for privacy.
Setting Up
The Galli comes with everything you need – pump, rock pegs, and a handy sky hook rail. Setup takes about 8 minutes with four airbeams, which is decent for a structure this large. The included kador strip makes connection to your van simple.
In Use
The interior feels solid and bright, with skylight-style panels letting in loads of natural light. It’s great for cooler British weather, though in hot continental summers it can feel stuffy unless you opt for the more breathable (and more expensive) TC fabric. But for UK use? It's spot on.
If you’ve got the storage space and the budget, this awning is a brilliant all-rounder for serious campers. We love its durability, window design, and overall quality.
Kampa Cross Air – Best Compact Inflatable Awning
If you’re after a compact, flexible, and lightweight option without sacrificing function, the Kampa Cross Air is a standout. It’s the kind of awning that feels smart, adaptable, and surprisingly spacious once pitched. Perfect for shorter trips or smaller vans, it offers incredible value for its footprint.
Design and Layout
The square, steep-sided design maximises interior space while staying compact. The Cross Air has three main doors, two of which can be fully unzipped to turn the awning into a gazebo – perfect for sunny evenings. The removable groundsheet is a great touch, and the optional sleeping pods add serious versatility. The fabric (Weathershield 68D) is UV-resistant and has held up impressively over time.
Setting Up
At just over 16kg, it’s a breeze to carry and assemble. There are two airbeams, though the valve system can be a bit fiddly (you’ll need to screw an adaptor on the pump). Setup is quick, and once inflated, the tunnel attaches easily to your van—just make sure you pick the right orientation for the single tunnel door.
In Use
The Cross Air handles a wide range of temperatures well. In summer, unzip the sides and enjoy open-air camping. In autumn, zip it up and stay warm inside. You get a nice rain/sun canopy at the front, and the insulation is just right for multi-season use.
This awning is a near-perfect option for those looking for a compact yet feature-rich awning. Light, practical, and adaptable across seasons – it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite.
Vango Kela Air – Best Compact All-Rounder
Vango rarely misses when it comes to drive away awnings, and the Kela Air is proof. Whether you go for the more affordable Sentinel Pro polyester or splash out on the cooler, longer-lasting polycotton (TC) version, this awning packs serious quality into a compact footprint. It’s perfect for weekend getaways or anyone after a smaller, faster-pitch option that doesn’t skimp on features.
Design and Layout
The Kela Air nails the essentials: two tunnel doors, mains hookup access, large clear windows with skylights, and generous front and side doors for airflow. The main awning space (excluding the tunnel) measures 235 x 310 cm – plenty for two chairs and a table, though not much else. It’s ideal for couples or solo travellers who want fast setup and a warm, cosy space. The Sentinel Pro version weighs just 18.4kg, while the TC version clocks in at 22.4kg.
Vango includes everything you need: pump, pegs, kador strip, carry bag, and over-vehicle straps. Just note that roof bar attachment kits are sold separately.
In Use
This is a “grab and go” awning in the best way. Our friends swear by it for their Eriba caravan trips, especially with a carpet fitted for that soft underfoot feeling. While it doesn’t have zip-out panels like some rivals, the large front door offers excellent ventilation, and the fly mesh keeps bugs at bay. One caveat: there’s a lip at the bottom of the front entrance that can be a trip hazard, particularly after a whisky or two!
The Kela Air is an ideal choice for quick weekend escapes or minimalist campers. It’s not built for massive groups, but it delivers premium comfort, top build quality, and easy pitching in a compact package.
Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air – Best Budget Inflatable Awning
If you're after solid performance without a hefty price tag, the Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air delivers. It’s one of the most affordable inflatable awnings that still packs in enough space, smart design, and flexibility to handle everything from spontaneous weekends to short getaways. For solo travellers or couples, this is an absolute gem.
Design and Layout
With 300 x 300 cm of floor space, the Cayman Air has room to breathe. Its tall profile means no hunching over, and it’s lined with zip-back doors/windows on three sides for great airflow. The sewn-in groundsheet helps keep out wind and bugs, though it does limit flexibility.
Setup is incredibly simple thanks to its single inflation point. One valve, one pump, and you’re up in minutes. It comes complete with pegs, carry bag, and pump.
The standout feature? Its ultra-lightweight 120 HDE high-density fabric. Despite its generous size, the Cayman Air weighs just 17kg and packs down reasonably well at 82 x 47 x 35 cm. There are ‘Low’ and ‘Midline’ versions to match different van heights.
The tunnel section features two side doors plus a main door leading into the awning. That front door doesn’t zip fully off but rolls back neatly. One of the side doors can be fully removed to make space for an optional sleeping annexe.
In Use
This awning is the definition of grab-and-go. It’s ideal for spring and summer use, though it may feel a bit thin in winter unless you bring a heater. We appreciated the flexibility of opening up multiple doors for a gazebo-like setup. A minor gripe? Some bottom doors use velcro rather than full zips, which might let in rain under certain conditions. Still, for the price, that’s forgivable.
The Cayman Air is perfect for campers who want a flexible, lightweight, and budget-friendly awning that still delivers functionality and comfort. If you’re not braving four seasons, it’s easily one of the best in its class.
Features Worth Paying for: What Makes Life Easier in the Wild
You’ll soon notice which features make a difference after a few wet nights or buggy campsites:
Ventilation: Nothing ruins a morning quite like condensation dripping on your head. Good awnings have mesh panels or adjustable vents.
Access Points: More doors means less muddy traffic through your sleeping area. Also handy when the wind shifts overnight (you’ll only make the “wrong door open” mistake once during a gale).
Sleeping Pods: If you want extra berths for friends or kids, a proper pod beats squeezing everyone into the van. I’ve found them a lifesaver after late-night board game sessions.
Weather Resistance: Look for high hydrostatic head (waterproof rating) and tough stitching. If your awning leaks on the second use, you’ll never forget it – I once slept in a minor indoor lake after a budget buy let me down.
Free-Standing Option: Essential for quick getaways or if you want to use your awning for picnics in the back garden.
Inflatable vs. Pole Awnings: The Real Differences
Inflatable awnings (airbeam) have changed the game. They go up faster and you don’t lose bits in the grass. But they can feel bulkier when packed and if you’re wild camping far from a car park, you’ll notice the weight.
Pole awnings are often lighter in the bag and cheaper, but the setup is fiddlier. Not fun when it’s blowing a hoolie and pegs are going missing. I once lost a key pole to a riverbank at three in the morning – never again.
How to Choose Your Best Drive Away Awning for Camper Van Adventures
The “best drive away awning” isn’t the priciest one – it’s the one that fits your van, your trips, and your patience for setup. Think about where and when you camp most. Size and weight matter, especially for UK weekends where packing space is at a premium.
Don’t assume big is better – too much space can mean too much drying and too much hassle if you only ever camp for a night or two. If you camp year-round, prioritise fabric quality and weather ratings. If spring and summer are your jam, a lightweight, quick-pitch design will see you right.
If you only take away one lesson: the drive away awning is the single easiest way to make your camper experience less cramped, more private, and actually enjoyable in all British weather. As someone who’s spent too many drizzly nights tripping over boots in a cramped van, I can promise it’s money well spent.
